AboutTen Thousand Things

Artistic Director

Michelle Hensley is the founding artistic director of Ten Thousand Things. Since 1991, she has directed and produced more than 60 tours for the company.

In response to requests throughout the country to adopt the TTT performance model, Michelle also has directed shows for The Public Theater in New York and California Shakespeare Theater. In addition, the Old Globe in San Diego is now using TTT's model.

In 2015, her critically acclaimed book on the TTT model, All the Lights On, was published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Dozens of the shows Michelle has directed for TTT have made local critics' annual top lists. She has been named Best Director in the Twin Cities by City Pages three times and Best Artistic Director by the Star Tribune (2012) and Minnesota Monthly (2010). She is the 2005 winner of the Francesca Primus Prize, given by the American Theater Critics Association for outstanding contribution to the American theater by an emerging female artist. She also is a recipient of a McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship.

Michelle serves on the boards of the Theater Communications Group and Howlround, and is a founding member of the Minnesota Theater Alliance.

Buy a Book or Host a Book Signing

Interested in the fascinating history of TTT and its unique performance style? Buy a copy of Artistic Director Michelle Hensley’s All the Lights On, published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. Michelle Hensley is also available for book discussions and signings. To request an appearance, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..